High Scissor Switch
A scissor-switch has a rubber dome and is mostly used throughout laptops and portable keyboards. These switches have a travel time of 1 to 2.5mm compared to 2.5 to 4mm for regular membrane ones thanks to the special plastic “scissor mechanism” that links the key caps to a plunger that causes the shorter travel time to register the keystroke.
Features
- High Scissor-Switch
- 1000Hz Polling Rate
- Yellow Backlight
- Game Mode switch key
- Macro Recording
- On-Board Memory
- 24 Anti-Ghosting key Technology
Unboxing & First Impression
Whats noticeable in the packaging is not the keyboard’s features nor the scissor switch but the Yellow LED lightning. Its not often to see keyboards have Yellow lightning because when it comes to keyboards(excluding RGBs), one major factor whether you’ll buy it or not is the lighting. Red is the common color for “gaming” keyboards to be followed by Blue, Green and White. Moving through the back of the keyboard you can find an easy to understand infographic/pictures of the keyboard’s main features.
The keyboard has a clean layout and is size is standard for those concerned with desk space. its even smaller and more compact compared to your regular a4tech 500php keyboard. On the back part you have 4 rubber pads and another on the flip stand. A big props to Cougar for including cable groves for a better cable management for your overall desk setup. It’s quite weird however that they didn’t implement it at the Cougar 450k which is a nice keyboard overall.
Cougar decided replace left key with the function key. This can be helpful to avoid the common wrong presss when gaming. The position of the FN key also helps in issuing Macros.
The stand moderately inclines the keyboard for a better ergonomic position. The inclination of the keyboard when using the stand compensates for the keyboard’s lack of wrist rest for a more comfortable gaming experience.
The keyboard can store up to 12 Macros and can be accessed through your F1-F12 keys. There 3 types of Macro modes in this keyboard. G1-G4 are your instant macros. Instant macros removes any delay between keystrokes upon execution of your G1-G4 key. Instant macros are ideal for long command sequences in an instant. G5-G8 are Serial Macros. Upon pressing any of the Serial Macro keys, the macro will be executed and the delay between the keys used in the recording will be factored in the execution of the keystroke. If you press the key and hold it down, the macro will be executed repeatedly until you release it. The last set of keys are the Infinite Macro keys(G9-G12). Similar to Serial Macros, Infinite Macro keys preserves the time delay of the keys used in the recording. But instead of requiring the key to be held down inorder for the macros to repeat, the Infinite Macro keys serves as a Play/Stop button where the macros will be executed repeatedly until you press it again to stop.
The up and down arrow keys serve as brightness adjustment when used with the FN key. The Four brightness level adjustments are 0% / 30% / 60% / 100%.
There are volume conrol keys just above the num pad together with it is the Game Mode key. The Game Mode key is your windows lock button to avoid accidental press during intense gaming sessions. Game mode must first be enabled before recording a macro. To clear our the macro, just press the application key(beside the right control) + the Esc key.
The keyboard has a nice underglow specially at night thanks to the back yellow paint being light-coated and transparent enough for light to pass through.
Conclusion
Performance. The Scissor switch performs about just the same as a regular rubber dome keyboard but with a lower actuation. It is comfortable enough to game on thanks to its high flip stand.
Build Quality. The overall keyboard is rigid denouncing its build quality. However, I’m not satisfied with the keys as resting your fingers on the keyboard will wiggle the keycaps not to mention it will start to annoy you the faster you type.
Functionality. The 24 Anti Ghosting keys are strategically mapped and it would be much better if cougar also included atleast the 1-5 number keys. It would’ve been nice though it has 26 anti ghosting keys like its older brother, the 450k Hybrid Mechanical Keyboard
Bundle. There are no other items or accessories included aside from the keyboard’s features. Cougar include features that gamers will certainly need.
Should you buy it?
The answer is, it depends. The keyboard has an SRP of around Php 2,100 and competes directly with the Razer Deathstalker. Its rival has more FN features embedded in the F1-F12 keys which are more of media keys. And it has a integrated wrist rest as well. The Cougar 300K on the other hand has a more traditional layout and a more unique feel to it. If you prefer the smoother, signature response that High Scissor switch provide than chicklet keys, the Cougar 300K is for you. But if you prefer neither of those two, we highly recommend its big brother, the Cougar 450K Hybrid Mechanical Keyboard priced at Php 2,500. If the keyboard was priced below 2,000 then it would be the best in this class however its price is high compared to other keyboards and for more $$$ you could get better keyboard like the Cougar 450k.
With Cougar giving the keyboard 1-year warranty, we also give the Cougar 300k High Scissor Keyboard our B2G Bronze Award!
2 Comments
#DubsNation themed KB
2100 nice price for illuminated keyboard